Brewster, Cold Spring, Garrison Projects Receive State Grants

Projects based in Brewster, Cold Spring and Garrison won grants in the state’s fourth round of Regional Economic Development Council Awards.

Of the 10 statewide councils, The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC) received the largest amount of funding, $82.8 million.

The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail project will realize $935,000 while the Cold Spring-based Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) will receive $71,600 and Manitoga, Inc., the studio and home of designer Russel Wright in Garrison, will see $16,700. An additional $750,000 was awarded to the Brewster-based Green Chimneys School Expansion project.

“It’s gratifying to know that Albany shares the vision we here in the Mid-Hudson region - and in Putnam County in particular - have for good, smart growth,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell in a press statement. “We see our possibilities and we know that if we work together and partner with those who can help us, whether they are public or private entities, our potential for strong economic development and expansion is limitless.”

Abigail Adams, the managing director of HVSF noted that the organization reached more than 43,000 students and teachers in 48 middle and high schools during the 2013-14 school year. She said its Conservatory Company provides professional training and work experience for 20 early-career theater artists and technicians each year and last summer, the HVSF attracted more than 35,000 to its white covered theater tent located on the grounds of Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison.

Putnam Tourism Director Libby Pataki noted that more than one million of the awarded dollars will directly enhance those attractions that draw thousands of visitors to the county each year.

“I am so pleased to see the state recognize the importance of outdoor recreation and the arts in Putnam County,” said Pataki. “The Highlands Hudson Fjord Trail will provide a safe route for hikers and cyclists from Cold Spring to Breakneck Ridge and up to Beacon in Dutchess that offers outstanding views of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain and Bannerman’s Castle. The large-scale sculpture exhibit at Manitoga will be a highlight to the county’s art circuit in 2015 and the increase in programs offered by the Hudson Shakespeare Festival will further expand its audience as well as the training of the next generation of artists.”

The Governor’s Regional Economic Development Council was founded in 2011. To date, it has provided more than $300 million for 350 projects endorsed by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council.